Close immoral entertainment

Close immoral entertainment

From Neraca

I disagree with the Jakarta Governor's plan to allow night entertainment businesses to operate with restricted hours between the end of evening prayers and the pre-daybreak meal during the fasting month, although it gives the businesses a limited opportunity to survive.

At the same time a certain group in society -- obviously disregarding the governor's plan -- has issued a warning against these immoral places opening during the holy month and has explicitly stated that they will forcefully close them.

I would like to appeal to the governor and the owners of night spots to heed such demands, as it is widely known that these places -- operating behind the facade of massage and sauna centers, nightclubs and karaoke halls -- are in fact no better than prostitution areas.

I also send a word of caution to the pornographic VCD rental outlets and those involved in gambling in the city, though I am fully aware that these unlicensed businesses are backed by certain people from the security and city administrations.

To avoid closure by force, all immoral businesses, licensed or otherwise, should be voluntarily closed.

RAHMAN SIREGAR

Jakarta